Attachment for resurfacing tool

ABSTRACT

An attachment for a dermal resurfacing tool. A cap has a wall defining a volume and a porous mass attached thereto. The cap may engage a head of the tool.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The application is a Continuation of co-pending application, Ser. No.09/802,425, filed Mar. 9, 2001 which is a Continuation-In-Part of issuedU.S. Pat. No. 6,652,888.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to skin treatment.

BACKGROUND

Facial skin rejuvenation has been accomplished by chemical treatmentreferred to as “chemical peels” or laser treatment referred to as “lasersurgery” and exfoliation by machine driven means, such as with emerypaper. Such methods generally require medical supervision and involvesome risk of deleterious side effects as well as pain and discomfortduring treatment. These methods all require long recovery time betweentreatments.

Microdermabrasion (e.g., microexfoliation, particle skin resurfacing) isa technique in skin care in which a controlled exfoliation of the skinis performed to improve and remove skin abnormalities. A typicalmicrodermabrasion machine consists of a compressor to project inertcrystals of corundum (aluminum oxide or alumina) through a tube into ahand piece manipulated by a technician over the skin of the subject. Thecompressor projects the corundum across the skin with variable pressurewhile the hand piece is in contact with the skin. This induces anabrasion action which removes the top layer of skin. At the same time,through another tube within the hand piece, the used corundum and abraided skin are vacuumed into another container for disposal. As can beappreciated, the need for the compressor, the supply of corundum, and avacuum source and disposal container are suitable for a specialty clinicwith trained technicians.

What is desired is an inexpensive method that may be safely applied upona human subject's own skin to achieve the desired rejuvenation withoutpain or discomfort during treatment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2, a powered (dc battery or ac power driven) applicatorapparatus (vibrator) including a vibrating device encased in headportion 10 of the apparatus (vibrator) housing.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of theapparatus of FIG. 1, specifically the vibrator portion of the apparatus.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a manually-manipulated or operatedapparatus.

FIG. 6 shows a flow chart illustrating practicing a method utilizingeither the apparatus comprising the motor-driven vibrating mechanism orthe manually-manipulated device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A composition is disclosed including a base and a plurality of abrasiveparticles. In one aspect, the composition includes a base comprising asa principal component a moisturizer suitable for application to thehuman skin and a plurality of abrasive particles. Suitable abrasiveparticles include inorganic particles such as corundum, aluminum oxide,alumina, Al₂O₃ and magnesium oxide (MgO). In one embodiment, theabrasive particles are microcrystals of corundum having an averageparticle size on the order of 34 microns (μm) to 556 μm (320 to 30grit). More preferably, the average particle size of the microcrystalsis on the order of about 42 μm to 198 μm (280 to 60 grit).

The abrasive nature of the particles in the composition render thecomposition suitable as an exfoliator to improve the look and feel of anarea of human skin and remove skin abnormalities. More specifically, theabrasive particles tend to remove the outer layer of skin (theepidermis) to expose an underlayer of skin. The human body responds byproducing a new layer of skin. With one or more (and preferably aseries) of these exfoliation treatments, it is believed that the skinsubject to the treatment may be improved. Such improvements includeimprovement in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks,non-inflammatory acne, acne scars, surgical scars, rough or coarsetextured skin, age spots, blotchy skin conditions, and sun damaged skin.

In one embodiment, the composition comprises a base that is capable ofsuspending the plurality of abrasive particles within the base. Oneparticular component, that in one embodiment is included as a principalcomponent in the base, is a moisturizer. Moisturizers are believed toreduce water loss from the skin and draw moisture from inner skin layersup into the outer skin layer. In this regard, in one embodiment, themoisturizer includes a substance that attracts moisture to the top skinlayer (a humectant). Suitable humectants include glycerin, propyleneglycol, alpha hydroxy acids, urea, and lactic acid. The moisturizer mayalso include substances that tend to reduce water loss by creating abarrier. Such substances include petrolatum, mineral oil, lanolin andsilicone derivatives.

Suitable moisturizers may be in various forms as known in the art. Suchforms include but are not limited to, liquids, including but not limitedto, creams, gels, pastes and emolients. In addition to the moisturizer,the base of the composition may further include, but is not limited to,antioxidants, aromas/ fragrances, vitamins (particularly vitamins A, Cand E), emulsifiers, toners, acids (e.g., glycolic acid), scrubs,serums, lotions, liquids, elixirs, sun screens, and tonics.

In another embodiment, the base of the composition is a liquid includinga cleansing component, including, but not limited to, soaps, salicylicacid, a lauryl sulfate (e.g. sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laurethsulfate). The cleansing component base may also be combined with amoisturizer. Other components such as surfactants and emulsifiers mayfurther be included. Antimicrobial or bactericidal agents may stillfurther be included. An example of a suitable composition is acomposition comprising 20 to 70 percent by weight corundum, 20 to 70percent aloe gel, and five to 20 percent sodium lauryl sulfate. Athickening agent may also be added where desired.

In one embodiment, abrasive particles of corundum (alumina)microcrystals are combined with a creme moisturizer base in an amount ofabout 5 to 100 grams of corundum per ounce of creme, preferably 10 to 50grams per ounce, and more preferably 10 to 20 grams per ounce.

The abrasive articles suspended in the cream moisturizer provide gentlemicrodermabrasion of the skin for resurfacing/rejuvenating the skin,leaving it smooth and soft after each treatment without the need of anyrecovery time so that it may be repeated as often as on a daily basis,in order to reduce and erase fine lines and wrinkles, reduce pore size,reduce or erase sun damage, age spots and skin discoloration, firm skinand muscle tone, thereby to reduce sagging, enhance new epidermal cellsand decongest acne skin conditions. This method of rejuvenating theskin, and particularly the facial skin, is ideal for those unwilling orunable to undergo laser surgery, a chemical peel, or machine drivenexfoliation.

One example of a suitable composition including corundum (alumina)microcrystals and a cream moisturizer at approximately 14 gramsmicrocrystals per ounce of cream includes: Ingredients PercentageAluminum Oxide 35.000 Purified Water 14.288 Caprylic / CapricTriglyceride 11.500 Octyl Palmitate 10.000 Safflower Oil 10.000 CetearylAlcohol 3.000 Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate 2.100 Stearic Acid 5.000 WheatGerm Oil 3.000 Propylene Glycol 2.900 Panthenol 1.000 Lecethin 0.500Cetyl Alcohol 0.500 Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E) 0.100 RetinylPalmitate (vitamin A) 0.100 Ascorbyl Palmitate 0.100 Extract of Carrot0.050 Wheat Germ 0.050 Wheat Bran 0.050 Aminomethyl Propanediol 0.050Beta Carotene 0.010 Methylparaben 0.200 Propylparaben 0.100Phenoxyethanol 0.200 FDC Yellow 5 0.001 FDC Yellow 6 0.001 Fragrance0.200

In one embodiment, the composition is provided in a jar (not shown)having a mouth large enough for an applicator of the applicatorapparatus described below to be dipped into the composition in the jar.Alternatively, the composition may be scooped out of the jar by hand andapplied to the skin area to be treated. Pump mechanisms or squirt bottletube configurations for dispensing the compositions are also suitable.

In another embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed. A suitable apparatusincludes a portable device having a vibrating head and an applicatorcoupled to the vibrating head. The applicator has dimensions suitablefor contacting localized areas of human skin.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a powered (dc battery or ac power driven)applicator apparatus (vibrator) including a vibrating device encased inhead portion 10 of the apparatus (vibrator) housing. The apparatus(vibrator) also includes handle portion 11 which is adapted to house inan interior volume, a removable/replaceable power source, such asbatteries (e.g., multiple AA batteries), optional circuitry for couplingto an AC power source, and circuitry to operate a motor (e.g., DC)driven apparatus (vibrator). The apparatus, in one embodiment, is formedof a plastic formed casing.

The apparatus (vibrator) also includes applicator 12 coupled to headportion 10 of the apparatus (vibrator). Applicator 12 is a porousmaterial such as a cloth or sponge having dimensions suitable forcontacting an area of human skin, for example, a sponge pad, e.g., apolyurethane sponge pad, a latex sponge pad, or other closed-cell spongematerial. One suitable sponge material is commonly referred to as“make-up” sponge material used representatively in the makeup arts.Other open-celled sponge material may also be used. Alternatively,applicator 12 is a non-porous material such as synthetic rubber, plasticor latex.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of theapparatus of FIG. 1, specifically the vibrator portion of the apparatus.In cross-section, the operation of the vibrating mechanism is described.The apparatus (vibrator) includes, in this embodiment, a removable powersource. In this case, the apparatus (vibrator) includes handle portion11 having interior chamber 25 to accommodate the removable power source.In one example, the power source to operate the vibrator is two AAbatteries that fit within interior chamber 25 of handle portion 11.Conductors 23 and 24 define ends of the interior chamber. Leads 26 and28 coupled to conductor 23 bring current to/from motor 40. Lead 26 iscoupled to circuit board 30 that includes switch 35 to control theoperation of motor 40. Switch 35 may be a two-position switch (ON/OFF)or a multiple position switch for operating motor 40 at multiple speeds.

Motor 40 is disposed in an interior portion 20 of head portion 10 ofvibrator 10 and includes shaft 42 extending from one end of motor 40.Shaft 42 is rotated (as illustrated) with the operation of motor 40.

Coupled to an end of shaft 42 of motor 40 is eccentric mass 45. In thisembodiment, eccentric mass 45 is a semi-cylindrical body coupled at itsaxis to post 42. In this manner, as eccentric mass 45 rotates, its shapegenerates a rhythmic motion in head portion 10 of the apparatus(vibrator) producing a vibration.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1. Thevibrator includes handle portion 11 that is sized in one portion to begrasped by a human subject. Handle portion 11 includes interior volume25 for accommodating a removable/replaceable power source, such as oneor more batteries 50 (e.g., two AA batteries). Cover 55 snaps into thebody of handle portion 11 to enclose the power source within theinterior volume of handle portion 11.

FIG. 4 also shows the configuration of applicator 12 to head portion 10of the apparatus (vibrator). In one embodiment, applicator 12 is coupledto cap 13 (such as by an adhesive between applicator 12 and one surfaceof cap 13). Cap 13, as illustrated, is a circular body having a diametersimilar to the diameter of vibrating head 27 of head portion 10 of thevibrator. In one embodiment, vibrating head 27 has a diameter on theorder of about one to two inches (about 2.5-5 centimeters). In oneembodiment, the diameter of vibrating head 27 is slightly larger on theorder of, for example, 0.01 to 0.03 inches (1-2 millimeters) then themain body of head portion 10 as represented by lip 19.

An underside of cap 13 has interior volume 17. One or more protrusions18 extend from the side walls of cap 13 (defining interior volume 17) sothat cap 13 does not fit easily over lip 19 of head portion 10. Cap 13is made of a thin plastic material, in one embodiment, which allows thecap to be deformed and snapped over lip 19, vibrating head 27, and ontohead portion 10 to securely hold cap 13 in place. Alternatively, the capmay have a groove that snaps over a ridge around the inside wall of thehead.

Applicator 12, which is secured to the top of cap 13 may be replacedafter many uses. In one embodiment, applicator 12 and cap 13 may beremoved from the apparatus after use and cleaned. When it is consideredto be no longer useful after, for example, one or more cleanings,applicator 12 (and cap 13) may be discarded and replaced.

In the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 4, anapparatus including a vibrating mechanism is described. It is believedthat in applying a composition to an area of human skin and manipulatingthe composition with a vibrating apparatus, as described with referenceto FIG. 6 and the accompanying text, the vibrating action of theapparatus (e.g., of the applicator) helps stimulate skin, muscle, andtissue to revitalize the treated area. It is appreciated that, in use,the vibrating mechanism may or may not be used. In this regard, FIG. 5shows another embodiment of a manually-manipulated or operatedapparatus. Apparatus 50 includes handle 55 suitable for gripping by ahand of a human subject. Handle 55 includes, at one end, head portion 58having dimensions suitable for accommodating cap 13 and applicator 12 ina manner similar, in one embodiment, to the manner described withreference to FIGS. 1 through 4.

FIG. 6 shows a flow chart illustrating practicing a method utilizingeither the apparatus comprising the motor-driven vibrating mechanism orthe manually-manipulated device. Initially, a human user attaches anapplicator to the apparatus (vibrator) (block 400). Next, thecomposition of, for example, moisturizer and abrasive particles, isdisposed on the applicator (block 420). This can be accomplished eitherby dipping the applicator into a container with the composition disposedinside or by disposing the composition directly onto the applicator(i.e., with a dispenser, a squirt bottle tube, spatula or other suitablemeans). The user then applies the composition disposed on the applicatorto the area of skin to be treated (block 440). On example is applyingapproximately one-quarter inch of the composition across the entiresurface of a porous applicator. The user then dots the area to betreated at locations on the order of, for example, three inches apart.Subsequently, the user manipulates the composition over the area of skinto be treated with the apparatus (vibrator) (block 460). In anembodiment, manipulation of the composition (block 460) is characterizedby moving the apparatus (vibrator) over the area of skin using firm,upward, circular strokes. In one example, the manipulation of thecomposition is continued for one to ten minutes or until the compositionhas been worked into the skin and the skin appears soft and smooth.Finally, the user wipes off any unabsorbed portion of the composition(block 480) and may optionally rinse or cleanse the area. In oneembodiment, the composition comprising a moisturizer as a principalcomponent may be worked in until substantially all of the moisturizer(and any other components) is taken up by the skin and only the corundumremains on the surface of the skin. The corundum may be brushed off andthe area of skin cleansed with a mild cleanser. In an alternativeembodiment, before applying the composition to the skin, the usercleanses the area of skin with a mild cleanser using gentle circularstrokes, rinses the skin with tepid water, and pat the skin dry with asoft towel.

It should be noted that in applying the composition to the skin 440, theuser may dab the composition on certain areas of the skin beforeswitching the apparatus (vibrator) on to manipulate the composition overthe skin. Alternatively, the user may simultaneously apply thecomposition to the skin and manipulate the composition over the area ofskin to be treated. Alternatively, the user may simultaneously apply thecomposition to the applicator, dot the area to be treated and manipulatein rotary strokes. Using the vibrator applicator, the user maymanipulate the applicator with the vibrator in the on (vibrate)position, or in the off position for a lighter treatment.

Other formulations of suitable compositions may occur to those skilledin the art which, upon suspending abrasive particles in the base inaccordance with the invention, would be within the scope of thefollowing claims.

1. An apparatus comprising: a cap having at least one wall that alone orin combination with at least one additional surface defines a volume;and a porous material coupled to the cap.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1further comprising: a plurality of protrusions extending from aninterior surface of the wall.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein thewall defining a circumferential interior groove.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the volume is substantially cylindrical.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the porous material is one of: apolyurethane sponge pad; a latex sponge pad; and a makeup sponge.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the wall is deformable to snap fit onto ahead having a volume greater than the volume.
 7. The applications ofclaim 6 wherein the value is one of cylindrical and conic.
 8. Anattachment for use in combination with a motorized tool having a head,the attachment comprising: a cap having at least one wall that alone orin combination with at least one additional surface defines a volume;and a porous material coupled to the cap.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8further comprising: a plurality of protrusions extending from aninterior surface of the wall to engage the head.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 8 wherein the wall defines a circumferential interior groove.